I’m pleased to share several important developments that reflect our collective progress and commitment to education in Nunavik.

First, I want to thank our employees for their overwhelming support of the new collective agreements. With an approval rate of more than 90% among professionals, teachers, and support staff, we are proud to move forward with renewed agreements for 2023–2028. These agreements bring generous new benefits, including enhanced retention premiums, signing and returning bonuses, and improved housing and transportation allowances. Many of these measures build on the foundation laid in the 2020–2023 agreements and are made possible through the differentiated financial framework established in the 2022 Protocol of Agreement. We are working diligently to implement these changes as soon as the collective agreements will be signed later this fall.

We are excited to announce the launch of a new full-time university-level teacher training program, developed in partnership with McGill University. Starting this fall in Kuujjuaq, the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit (CEFNI) will prepare Nunavimmiut to become qualified teachers—teaching not only Inuktitut, but a variety of subjects in their own language. This initiative is a major step toward addressing the teacher shortage in our region, while empowering Inuit educators to bring fresh expertise and cultural pride into our classrooms.

Another initiative we are proud of is the roll-out of Emergency Childcare Services in several Nunavik communities. These services support Kativik Ilisarniliriniq employees and students who are parents, helping reduce absenteeism and class closures caused by daycare disruptions. Covered by the Child First Initiative, or Jordan’s Principle, this program has already made a meaningful difference. However, we are deeply concerned about the uncertainties surrounding the future of Jordan’s Principle funding, which could jeopardize the continuation of this vital service. Across Canada, changes to eligibility criteria and gaps in allocated funding have already impacted Indigenous education programs, including support staff positions in other territories. We are closely monitoring these developments and advocating for sustained support to ensure our children and families continue to receive the services they need.

In another significant development, the Council of Commissioners has approved legal proceedings to challenge Law 14, which has negatively impacted Inuit students pursuing post-secondary education in Quebec. We believe this law infringes on treaty rights, and we are taking action to seek exemption for JBNQA beneficiaries. The Council has retained legal counsel, and we will continue working closely with Makivvik and other partners to ensure our students can study in the language of their choice.

We also concluded a year-long journey of reflection and collaboration through the Sivumuattiit strategic planning process. This initiative engaged nearly 1,000 participants—staff, students, parents, and community members—across Nunavik and Montreal. In June 2025, the Council of Commissioners approved the resulting 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which will guide our work over the next five years. The plan is structured around three pillars:

• Nuusuittuq: Our shared vision of student success, grounded in Inuit identity, language, and community well-being.
• Sivumut: Our strategic priorities and actions, including improving collaboration, strengthening relationships, and hiring and retaining Nunavimmiut staff.
• Atii: Our commitment to working together with courage, compassion, resourcefulness, and an awareness that everyone has a role to play in student success.

Finally, I’m pleased to report that the Council has approved a balanced budget for 2025–2026. This marks a positive shift after several years of deficit budgets and reflects our ongoing efforts to secure adequate funding. Indeed, we are still awaiting the Ministry of Education’s final approval of updated budget rules, and we are currently operating with budget rules that were approved in 2019 and expired on June 30, 2023. Meanwhile, we remain committed to financial stability and transparency.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and to the communities we serve. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future for Nunavik.